Sacramento, Calif. (May 4,2022) – Republic FC played to their second consecutive draw on Wednesday evening in a scoreless affair with New Mexico United at Heart Health Park. The Indomitable Club recorded their first clean sheet of the season, but could not convert one of their 10 shots on goal, including a late match penalty kick. Homegrown midfielder Rafa Jauregui made his first start of the season in the contest – his first as a pro in front of a home crowd.
A slow first half saw both squads struggle to generate chances to score. Republic FC posted just four shots, and just two attempts between both squads went on target – both from New Mexico. Republic FC was able to threaten early when a ball played to Douglas Martinez by Jack Gurr seven minutes in looked to give Sacramento a chance, but the visitors’ backline cleared out the threat before Martinez was able to reach it.
New Mexico caught Sacramento on their heels in the 16thminute but the backline kept the score even. Tabort-Ekata Preson nearly snuck one past Danny Vitiello in goal after a late break, but the ball went just left of the target, keeping things scoreless.
More service from Jack Gurr in the 30th minute gave Sacramento their best quality look of the half, but the Englishman’s ball went through untouched past Sacramento’s attackers who were just a step too quick. Gurr got back to work creating in the second half – another excellent cross in the 55th minute found the head of Dan Casey in the penalty area, but the Irishman’s attempt would go just high.
Sacramento nearly pulled ahead in the 78th minute on the counter with Emil Cuello carrying a ball forward from a defensive clearance. Cuello, who entered just after the hour mark, ripped a dangerous shot at goal that was stopped by Ford Parker. Parker would catch a lucky break ten minutes later – getting off with a yellow after conceding a penalty for taking down Luther Archimede one on one – leading to Lopez’s missed penalty attempt, the club’s only miss from the spot this season.
Following two in a row at home, Republic FC will hit the road for their next matchup, a Sunday morning matinee with New York Red Bulls II on May 8. Fans can catch the Mother’s Day action live at 10 a.m. on FOX40, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News mobile app, and streaming on ESPN+.
Sacramento Republic 0 – 0 New Mexico United
USL Championship
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
May 4, 2022
Scoring Summary: SAC – None NM – None
Misconduct Summary: SAC – None NM – Harry Schwartz (caution) 49’, Ford Parker (caution) 86’
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Jack Gurr (Ferrety Sousa 82’), Dan Casey, Conor Donovan, Lee Desmond, Duke Lacroix (Damia Viader 70’), Luis Felipe, Rodrigo Lopez (C), Zeiko Lewis (Matt LaGrassa 61’), Rafa Jauregui (Emil Cuello 69’), Douglas Martinez (Luther Archimede 61’)
Unused substitutes: Carlos Saldana, Keko Gontan
Stats – Shots: 10, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 2, Fouls: 11, Corner Kicks: 6, Offsides: 5
New Mexico United: Ford Parker, Rashid Tetteh (Kalen Ryden 57’), Will Seymore, Austin Yearwood, Sam Hamilton (C) (Carl Sainte 84’), Justin Portillo, Harry Swartz (Daniel Bruce 68’), Raddy Ovouka (Alexis Souahy 83’), Chris Wehan, Neco Brett, Tabort-Etaka Preston (Christian Nava 58’)
Unused substitutes:, Jerome Kiesewetter, Michael Azira
Stats – Shots: 13, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 3, Fouls: 6, Corner Kicks: 2, Offsides: 4
